Festus, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
13,201
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,532/yr
4.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,539
2.8% year-over-year change

Festus population

How many people live in Festus

Festus is home to 13,201 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Festus locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
13,201
1.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
6,670
Female
49.5%
6,531
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,670 50.5% 4.1%
Female 6,531 49.5% -0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Festus is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.3% are children under 15, then 9.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.7% of the population, while another 19.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.3%
15 to 24
9.8%
25 to 44
30.7%
45 to 64
19.3%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,206 24.3% -6.4%
15 to 24 1,298 9.8% 3.3%
25 to 44 4,058 30.7% 9.4%
45 to 64 2,549 19.3% -3.1%
Over 65 2,090 15.8% 7.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Festus, 98.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.4% of locals are Caucasian, 3.2% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,024 98.7% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 133 1% 1.5%
Non-citizens 44 0.3% 100.0%
Racial breakdown
White
86.4%
Black or African American
3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 11,400 86.4%
Black or African American 419 3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 55 0.4%
Asian 53 0.4%
Two or more races 1,239 9.4%
Other 35 0.3%

Households in Festus

A peek inside Festus households

Festus has 5,091 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.6% are families, while the remaining 31.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,091
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,598
Family households
3,493
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,598 31.4% 2.4%
Family households 3,493 68.6% 4.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Festus

The housing landscape of Festus

Festus's housing consists of 5,539 units, with 72.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,539
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,025 72.7%
1 unit, attached 133 2.4%
2 units 187 3.4%
3 or 4 units 394 7.1%
5 to 9 units 169 3%
10 to 19 units 213 3.8%
20 to 49 units 144 2.6%
50 or more units 9 0.2%
Mobile home 265 4.8%
Homes built since 2020
216
118.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Festus

In Festus, the median construction year is 1983. About 8.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 471 8.5% 30.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 374 6.8% -10.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 871 15.7% 11.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 556 10% 13.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 355 6.4% -40.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 455 8.2% 10.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 756 13.6% -15.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,018 18.4% 36.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 467 8.4% -19.3%
Built in 2020 or later 216 3.9% 118.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Festus occupancy rates

Out of the 5,091 occupied housing units in Festus, 57.8% are owner-occupied, while 42.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,091
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,146
Owner occupied
2,945
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,146 42.2% 0.3%
Owner occupied 2,945 57.8% 6.0%
Unoccupied housing units
8.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Festus housing costs

Housing costs in Festus come to a median of $957 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $922.

Median housing costs per month
$957/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Festus
$922/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Festus

Festus education at a glance

About 37.9% of the population in Festus went to high school, while 22.5% pursued college studies. Another 15.2% earned an associate degree and 14.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 151 1.6% 19.8%
High school diploma 3,611 37.9% -4.5%
College diploma 2,147 22.5% -0.6%
Associate degree 1,445 15.2% 15.2%
Bachelor's degree 1,415 14.8% 19.0%
Graduate degree 760 8% 15.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Festus

How much people earn in Festus

The average annual household income in Festus was $86,606 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,532, reflecting a +4.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Festus
$86,606/year
11.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Festus
$73,532/year
4.9% year-over-year change

Festus income by age

In Festus, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,730 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $96,818, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $63,224 in earnings. Overall, 82.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $96,818 N/A
25 - 44 $83,750 8.8%
45 - 64 $49,730 -3.2%
Over 65 $63,224 8.1%
Above poverty level
10,452
Below poverty level
2,193
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,452 82.7% 1.3%
Below poverty level 2,193 17.3% 5.2%

Average renter income in Festus

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Festus, their median household income was $44,594 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,594
Rent-to-income ratio
24.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Festus

Workforce and job types in Festus

The job market in Festus is powered by 5,722 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 69.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
5,722
3.6% year-over-year change
White collar
4,385
Blue collar
1,337
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,385 76.6% 6.9%
Blue collar 1,337 23.4% -6.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
69.8%
Governmental workers
13.3%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 503 8.8% 14.8%
Private companies 3,992 69.8% -1.1%
Governmental workers 763 13.3% 4.2%
Not for profit companies 464 8.1% 45.9%
Unemployment rate
6.6%
14.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Festus stands at 6.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Festus

How people get around in Festus

Commuting methods vary: 89% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,003 89% 4.2%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 36 0.6% N/A
Walk 70 1.2% 18.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Festus by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
63028 28,457 11,061 $79,737 $97,574

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FAQs about Festus demographics 

What is the total population of Festus?

Festus has a total population of 13,201 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Festus?

The gender ratio in Festus is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (6,670 residents)
  • 49.5% females (6,531 residents)

What is the median age in Festus?

The median age in Festus is 36.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Festus?

The age distribution in Festus is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.3% (3,206 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.8% (1,298 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.7% (4,058 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.3% (2,549 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (2,090 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Festus?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Festus is as follows:
  • White: 86.4% (11,400 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.2% (419 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (55 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (53 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (1,239 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (35 residents)

What percentage of the population in Festus are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in Festus.

How many housing units are there in Festus?

There are 5,539 housing units in Festus, reflecting a +2.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Festus and what is the average household size?

Festus has a total of 5,091 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Festus?

Festus has a median household income of $73,532, representing a +4.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Festus?

The employment rate is 93.4% in Festus, with a workforce of 5,722 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.6% (4,385 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.4% (1,337 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (503 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.8% (3,992 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.3% (763 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (464 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025